The Hindu Business Line : Bay-tripper

A cruise on Tampa Bay aboard the MV Dolphin Queen at the downtown St Petersburg pier, Florida, is an experience of a lifetime. “Dolphin sightseeing is guaranteed” is no idle boast. Thanks to the location of the Bay, the waters are fairly calm with gentle waves lapping the sides of the cruising boat. The 10-mile cruise is accompanied by an exhaustive narration from the captain about the sea and its surroundings. He gladly makes stops to point to the cavorting do lphins, which like to follow the boat. One wonders about the affinity between these gentle creatures and man.

The boat is equipped with the latest US Coast Guard approved life-saving equipment, a professional sound-system and clean restrooms. One can remain standing or seated while watching the sea and the seashore go by.

The chief attraction during the cruise is of course the sighting of the playful dolphins, which surface briefly, blowing a spray of water and sucking in air noisily. Adding to the whole experience is the cruise company’s promise: “In the event that the dolphins are having a bad hair day and are not seen, you will receive a voucher for a free cruise to be used on your next trip.” How nice! The huge black manatee, or sea cow, on the other hand, rarely surfaces and even then merely puts out a bit of its snout for air. To capture such a brief moment is difficult.

Pelican Island.

The cruise boat travels around the Pelican Island, home to hundreds of pelicans. Resting on the branches and in nests, the birds keep flying out and returning with fish in their beak for the little ones, which always appear to be hungry for more! Many other varieties of birds such as ospreys, egrets, spoonbills and herons nest in the island.

The US Coast Guard Base is an added attraction during the cruise and one can view it from the boat at close quarters. The brave marine guards watch over the long coastline and help nab smugglers of drugs and other contraband as well as assist ships and boats during an emergency.

The waterfront of Tampa Bay is exclusively peopled by the rich and famous. Practically every house (mansion would be a more appropriate term) on the waterfront has a private landing spot where the owner can anchor a boat for use.

Palm trees are endemic to the area and add beauty to the homes. Interestingly, no one is allowed to alter the exteriors of these waterfront dwellings, but they can make changes on the inside.

Tips: Daily sails from downtown St Petersburg pier, weather permitting. If it’s stormy the cruise is cancelled or postponed. A free shuttle ferries visitors to the pier from the parking lot. St Petersburg is well connected by road and air. The nearest airport is Tampa International Airport. Visit www.pierdolphincruises for more information.

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